We would like to let you know that Onslow County Schools uses an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach for controlling insects, rodents, and weeds for all school facilities.

The IPM approach currently in use focuses on making the school buildings and grounds an unfavorable place for pests to live and breed. Through maintenance and cleaning, we will reduce or eliminate available food and water sources, and hiding places for the pests. We will also routinely monitor the school area to detect pest problems and prevent the pests from becoming established. Some IPM techniques we will employ include monitoring, increased sanitation, sealing entry points, physically removing the pest, and modifying storage practices.

From time to time, it may be necessary to use chemicals to control a pest problem. Chemicals will only be used when necessary, and will not be routinely applied. When chemicals must be used, the school system will use the least toxic products when possible. Access to treated areas will be secured against unauthorized access for the period specified on the pesticide label. Notices will be posted at applicaton sites and will remain there until the posted safe re-entry time is met.

For your information, we have a list of pesticides and safety data sheets that may be used in the school during the school year. This list is available online at www.onslow.k12.nc.us under Auxiliary Services/Safety and Security documents.

You may request prior notification of specific pesticide applications made at the school. Email wayne.williams@onslow.k12.nc.us with the subject line IPM Parent Notification, to be added to the notification list. The registrants will be notified at least 72 hours before a pesticide is applied.

If a chemical application must be made to control an emergency pest problem, notice will be provided as soon as possible after the application. Exemptions to this notificaton include cleaners (disinfectants), pesticides formulated as baits or gels, and any EPA exempt pesticide. If you would like to be placed on this registry, please contact Wayne Williams IPM Specialist at 910-455-2211 ext 20543.

Our website is in the process of being updated to ensure compliance with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. In the interim website accessibility concerns may be brought to the attention of Jeff Pittman, Chief Technology Officer.

The school system retains control over what links will be placed on system-related websites; however, the linked sites themselves are not under the control of the school system, its agents or its employees. The school system is not responsible for the contents of any linked site, any link contained in a linked site, or any changes or updates to such sites. The school system provides links as a convenience, and the inclusion of any link does not imply endorsment of the site by the school system. The school system reserves the right to remove or restrict any links.